Hi, Can I use a bootloader to reprogram the PAC5xxx device while in the field?
Hi Winter, welcome to the Intelligent Motor Controller Forums!
Yes, PAC5xxx devices can be made to work with a bootloader backbone application. By merging Qorvo’s ActiveFLASH firmware project with the application’s respective firmware, the final compiled project can be programmed into the selected PAC5xxx device. Once deployed into the field, a Graphical Users Interface such as Qorvo’s ActiveFLASH GUI can be used to reprogram the device with a new firmware package. When the bootstrap based application first powers up, it checks the serial communication port and waits for a small amount of time for a specific package from the ActiveFLASH’s GUI which would signify the existing FW is to be updated. In the event said update command is received, the bootloader erases the FLASH content, and works with the GUI to update its memory with the new FW package.
I highly recommend you take a look at any of our PAC55xx device’s web pages, under the “Evaluation Tools Tab” where you will be able to find (under the PAC55xx Software Table), the PAC55XX Active FlashLight Bootloader project.